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Flashes of Hope – The gift of photography, Part 1

Even though I’d love to help out each charitable cause that comes my way, it’s just not possible to do so while also running a business and providing quality work for each client. I’ve found the best way for me and my business to give back to the community it to truly give from the heart.

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity;
for God loves a cheerful giver.”2 Corinthians 9:7

One cause that really speaks to my heart is “Flashes of Hope.” This groups “honors the courage of children with cancer by capturing a moment in time and funding research so they will have the chance to create a lifetime of memories.” About this time last year, I joined ASMP for various professional benefits and found that the local Houston chapter of ASMP is very active with Flashes of Hope (FOH). I applied to be a volunteer photographer and was soon accepted to the MD Anderson chapter. Just a few days before Halloween, I had the opportunity to photograph my first group of kids for this great organization.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but the whole day it felt like I was photographing your average kid from the local elementary or high school. By their big smiles, happy demeanor and wonderful families who laughed along with my corny jokes and goofy faces, you’d never know that these kids were sick.

It made me happy to see all of them in such good spirits. At the same time, it broke my heart to know that these kids were in fact sick. I hope when I return to photograph again at MD Anderson, I’ll hear that all of these kids are well and in remission. After listening to the stories from the other volunteers, I know that won’t necessarily be the case. But at least I know that through the great work Flashes of Hope is doing, more and more cancer research is being funded each day, and the families who participate will go home with beautiful photographs of their children to cherish for a lifetime.

Take a moment and look at these photographs, say a prayer of healing for these kids, and if you have a little extra to give back this Christmas season, consider giving to Flashes of Hope or another cause near and dear to your heart.